The impact of elevated water nitrite concentration on physiology,growth and feed intake of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The nitrite threshold concentration in rearing water of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was assessed. African catfish with an initial mean (SD) weight of 219.7 (57.8) g were exposed to an increasing range of water nitrite from 6 (Control) to 928 μM nitrite for 28 days. Mean (SD) plasma nitrite concentrations increased from 5.0 (3.6) to 32.5 (12.6) μM at 928 μM ambient nitrite. The increase in nitrite was accompanied by gradual increase in plasma nitrate from 41.6 (28.4) μM to 420.2 (106.4) μM. Haematocrit, haemoglobin, methemoglobin, plasma concentrations of cortisol, glucose, lactate, osmolality, gill morphology and branchial Na⁺/K⁺‐ATPase activity were not affected. Feed intake, final weight, SGR, FCR and mortality were not affected. We advise not to exceed a water nitrite concentration of 43 μM (0.6 mg L^?1 NO₂^?‐N) to prevent the risk of reduced growth and feed intake in African catfish aquaculture.     

Effects of common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) and the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) on growth and reproductive performance of native tilapia Oreochromis shiranus (Boulenger, 1896)

A study was conducted to assess the effects of common carp and the African catfish on growth and reproduction of the native tilapia Oreochromis shiranus in Malawi. The study was done from 1 May to 1 October 2018 at the National Aquaculture Centre (NAC), Zomba. Four triplicated treatments were used: O. shiranus + carp (T1), O. shiranus + catfish (T2), O. shiranus + carp + catfish polyculture (T3) and O. shiranus monoculture (T4). Fish were stocked at uniform density of 0.8 fish/m². Data collection was done once every month. Results showed that O. shiranus mean weight gain (%), specific growth rate (% body weight/day), average daily gain (g fish^?1 day^?1) and condition factor (g/cm³) were highest in T3 and lowest in T1 and T4 treatments. T3 had better water quality regime and higher tilapia biomass than T1 and T4 treatments. Tilapia fry production (no. fry pond^?1 day^?1) was highest in T4 but did not significantly differ (p > .05) between T2 and T3 treatments. It is concluded that the farming of common carp in aquatic ecosystems containing the African catfish may not adversely affect growth and reproduction of O. shiranus and that the polyculture of the African catfish, common carp and tilapia can be adopted to mitigate the potential adverse effects of carp on the environment and improve tilapia growth.     

Effect of stocking biomass on solids,phytoplankton communities,common off‐flavors,and production parameters in a channel catfish biofloc technology production system

The effect of initial channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque, 1818) fingerling biomass (1.4, 1.8, or 2.3 kg m^?3) on phytoplankton communities, common off‐flavours and stocker catfish production parameters was evaluated in biofloc technology production tanks. Stocker catfish size (145.5–172.6 g fish^?1) at harvest did not differ among treatments, but net yield increased linearly as initial biomass increased (R² = 0.633). Mean total feed consumption increased linearly with initial catfish biomass (R² = 0.656) and ranged from 10.7 to 15.8 kg m^?3. Total suspended solids (TSS) in all treatments increased linearly with total feed addition, and high TSS appeared to impact negatively daily feed consumption. Initial phytoplankton populations were dominated by small colonial green algae and diatoms, and later transitioned to populations dominated by a small, filamentous cyanobacteria and diatoms. Low, variable concentrations of 2‐methylisoborneol and geosmin were present in biofloc tank water during most of the study and two tanks yielded catfish with 2‐methylisoborneol or geosmin concentrations that might be classified as off‐flavour. One isolate of actinomycete was isolated sporadically from some biofloc tanks, but its abundance was not correlated with 2‐methylisoborneol concentration in tank waters. The microbial sources of 2‐methylisoborneol and geosmin in biofloc tanks remain unidentified.     

Dietary supplementation of autolysed yeast enhances growth,liver functionality and intestinal morphology in African catfish

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the potential of dietary supplementation of autolysed brewer's yeast (AY) on African catfish. The catfish (22.5 ± 1.15 g/fish, 20 fish 33 L/tank) were fed with either of diets (390 g/kg crude protein, 140 g/kg lipid) supplemented with 0, 3, 6 or 10 g/kg AY (n = 3). After 49 days of feeding, the final body weight and metabolic growth rate of the catfish fed 3 g/kg AY (3‐AY) diet were higher than those fed the control diet (p < .05). The lowest level (p < .05) of alanine transaminase was detected in the blood of the catfish fed 3‐AY diet. The mid‐intestinal histology of the catfish revealed no significant difference (p > .05) in intestinal perimeter ratio. However, an elevated (p < .05) abundance of goblet cells and intraepithelial leucocytes were found in the intestine of catfish fed 3, 6 and 10 g/kg AY diets, with the highest level of abundance recorded in the mid‐intestine of the catfish fed 3‐AY diet. The results suggest that dietary 3 g/kg autolysed brewer's yeast supplementation improves growth performance of African catfish without deleterious effect on liver functionality and gut morphology.     

Reduced fishmeal allowance with constant protein input for juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

In this study, we evaluated different dietary fishmeal and protein levels on growth performance, intestinal structure and intestinal microbial community of juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. A total of 1800 fish distributed into 36 tanks were fed with nine different diets containing three protein levels (300, 330 and 360 g/kg) with three fishmeal (FM) levels (0, 30 and 60 g/kg) for 90 days. The results showed that significant interactions between the protein level and FM level were observed in final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities. The significant lowest FW, WG, Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase and AKP activities were observed in fish fed with no fishmeal and 300 g/kg protein dietary while the highest were shown in 60 g/kg fishmeal and 330 g/kg protein treatment. Additionally, the microvillar length of the mid‐intestine in catfish was significantly affected by the interaction between dietary protein level and fishmeal level. The intestinal samples were dominated by three major phyla, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria. Genera Romboutsia and Turicibacter accounted for probably 800 g/kg of the phylum Firmicutes; meanwhile, genus Cetobacterium represented more than 900 g/kg of the phylum Fusobacteria. In conclusion, this study indicated that channel catfish juveniles can be fed with a practical diet without fishmeal as long as the protein level increased to 360 g/kg; however, if the percentage of dietary protein was 300 g/kg, it seemed that fishmeal need to be supplied as a protein source.     

Role of ion channels and membrane potential in the initiation of carp sperm motility

The exposure of freshly spawned, immotile carp sperm to hypoosmotic media triggers the initiation of calcium-dependent flagellar motility. Intracellular calcium concentration has been thought to be the critical component in motility initiation, possibly acting through a novel signalling pathway. The sensitivity of sperm cells to changes of osmolality of the environment raises the question whether a mechanoregulated osmosensitive calcium pathway is involved in the activation mechanism of carp sperm motility. The sperm cells are in a depolarized state in the seminal plasma (Ψ = –2.6 ± 3 mV) and they hyperpolarize upon hypoosmosis-induced activation of motility (Ψ = –29 ± 4 mV). The intracellular sodium [Na⁺]_i, potassium [K⁺]_i and calcium [Ca²⁺]_i ion concentrations were determined in quiescent cells, and at 20, 60 and 300 s after activation. The [Na⁺]_i and [K⁺]_i of the quiescent cells were similar to the [Na⁺]_e and [K⁺]_e of the seminal plasma. Following hypoosmotic shock-induced motility, both [Na⁺]_i and [K⁺]_i decreased to one-fourth of the initial concentration. The [Ca²⁺]_i doubled at initiation of the motility of the sperm cells and remained unchanged for 5 min. Bepridil (50–250 μM), a blocker of the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger, blocked carp sperm motility reversibly. Gadolinium, a blocker of stretch-activated channels (10–20 μM), inhibited sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner and its effect was reversible. Hypoosmotic shock fluidized the membrane and gadolinium treatment made it more rigid in both quiescent cells and hypotonic shock treated but immotile sperm cells. Based on these observations, it is suggested that, besides the well-known function of potassium and calcium channels, stretch-induced conformational changes of membrane proteins are also involved in the sperm activation mechanism of common carp.     

In vivo and in vitro protein digestibility in juvenile bagrid catfish Mystus nemurus (Cuvier and Valenciennes 1840) fed soybean meal‐based diets

In vivo and in vitro protein digestibility of 0% to 60% soybean meal protein (SBM) substitution from fishmeal protein was conducted for bagrid catfish Mystus nemurus juveniles. Seven experimental diets containing 35% protein and 15% lipid were fed to bagrid catfish to determine the in vivo protein digestibility. In vitro methods were determined using pH stat, pH shift, spectrophotometric assay and sodium dodecyle sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) with different enzyme mixtures (crude intestinal extract of bagrid catfish, Lazo 1‐enzyme, Hsu 3‐enzyme, Saterlee 4‐enzyme). In vivo and in vitro protein digestibility decreased with increased SBM protein substitution with highest tolerance level of 10% (in vivo). pH stat and pH drop methods showed the highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) and relative protein digestibility (RPD) using Saterlee 4‐enzyme system. However, pH stat method showed highest correlations (r² = 0.9263) with the in vivo results using crude intestinal enzyme extract compared to other enzyme systems. The highest correlation of the in vitro methods using crude intestinal enzyme extracts of bagrid catfish was determined using spectrophotometric assay (r² = 0.9284) followed by pH stat (r² = 0.9263), SDS‐PAGE (r² = 0.8348) and pH drop (r² = 0.6777). All the in vitro methods tested are suitable to rapidly determine protein digestibility for bagrid catfish except for pH drop.     

The in vitro efficacy of oxytetracycline against re‐isolated pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila carrying the cytolytic enterotoxin gene through hybrid catfish,Clarias macrocephalus (Günther, 1864) × Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in Thailand

Aeromonas hydrophila is a pathogen infecting farmed hybrid catfish, Clarias macrocephalus (Günther, 1864) × Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) which incurs substantial economic losses in Thailand. The study aimed at a genetic tracking of A. hydrophila infection and the in vitro assessment of the efficacy of antibiotics against its virulent strains. Five clinical strains from catfishes and Nile tilapia were employed. They were 3‐passage re‐isolated through healthy hybrid catfish and the cytolytic enterotoxin gene (AHCYTOEN) of individuals was traced. Each of the re‐isolates at a dose of ~6.67 × 10⁵ CFU/g was intraperitoneally injected into ~15 g‐healthy hybrid catfish and their pathogenicity were observed for 7 days. It was found that AHCYTOEN was carried over whereas typical signs of motile aeromonas septicaemia were found in the specimens. The bacterial strains of Nile tilapia origin did not induce mortality but those of catfish origins (80%–100% rate of mortality). The strains were susceptible to the tetracycline antibiotics, and oxytetracycline produced MIC₅₀ and MBC as low as 0.007–0.031 μg/ml and 1–8 μg/ml respectively. As oxytetracycline specifically inhibited pathogenic A. hydrophila in vitro, it is recommended that an appropriate dosage regimen of the drug should be established.     

Effects of dietary mulberry leaf extract on the growth,gastrointestinal, hepatic functions of Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)

Mulberry leaf extract (MLE), an active substance extracted from mulberry leaves, is known to have a positive effect on several physiological functions. The current study examined the effects of dietary MLE in feed at concentrations 0, 3.0, 6.0, 9.0, 12.0 and 15.0 g/kg on the growth performance and gastrointestinal and hepatic functions of Andrias davidianus for 12 weeks. Results indicated that the final body weight, weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate and feed intake (FI) of A. davidianus increased with the increase in the dietary MLE up to 9.0 g/kg and declined thereafter, while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) exhibited an opposite trend. Meanwhile, A. davidianus with a dietary intake of 9.0 g/kg MLE showed higher levels of crude protein in muscles and lower levels of moisture and crude lipid levels in the liver and muscles when compared with the control. In addition, dietary MLE increased the density and length of the villi and decreased the cavity rate in the foregut, enhancing the activities of carbonic anhydrase, H⁺‐K⁺‐ATPase, pepsin, intestinal trypsin, lipase and Na⁺‐K⁺‐ATPase (p < .05) in the stomach. Furthermore, dietary MLE increased the intestinal and hepatic superoxide dismutase activities and total antioxidative capacities but decreased their malondialdehyde contents in A. davidianus. Dietary MLE also significantly increased the immune parameters, and the plasma total protein, albumin and immunoglobulin M contents but significantly decreased the aspartate aminotr‐ansferase, alanine aminotransferase and diamine oxidase activities, and the total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, cholesterol, triglyceride and endotoxin contents (p < .05). In conclusion, a quadratic regression analysis of WGR and FCR indicated that the optimum level of MLE for A. davidianus was between 8.21 and 8.30 g/kg of the diet.     

Hybrid fish model (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum♀ × Leiarius marmoratus♂) to study feeding behaviour: protein source self‐selection and demand‐feeding rhythms

We report feeding studies on hybrid fish (carnivorous × omnivorous) to determine the interactions between protein sources during diet selection trials. We also examined behavioural rhythms (feeding and locomotor activity) using a self‐feeding system mounted with a feeder connected to an infrared photocell. Twenty fish (28.20 ± 0.05 g) were distributed in four aquariums (50 L each). First, the system was tested to evaluate the adaptation of catfish (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus) to self‐feeding (step I). During this 28‐day period, feeding and locomotor activity rhythms were recorded. In the second step, to analyse protein self‐selection, a group of 20 fish (19.10 ± 0.05 g) was released in the aquaria. The hybrid catfish were given free access to diets (soya bean meal protein (SP) vs. bovine liver protein (BP)) through two self‐feeders. The same procedure was used for (SP) vs. fish meal protein (FP). The catfish learned to activate the feeders to demand a daily feed amount equivalent to 1.8% of their body weight. The fish performed most of their actions (89.0% feeding activity and 94.1 0% locomotor activity) in the night. The diet choice by the catfish became clearer with a significantly lower intake of BP (0.37 g per 100 g body weight, 24.6%) vs. SP (1.06 g per 100 g body weight, 75.4%) and SP (0.61 g per 100 g body weight, 38.9%) vs. FP (0.91 g per 100 g body weight, 61.1%). These findings should be considered when discussing feeding behaviour, nutritional targets and protein sources for future aquaculture feeds.     

Rearing of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and vundu catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis) in traditional fish ponds (whedos): Effect of stocking density on growth, production and body composition

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (initial body weight: 34.8 ± 4.8 g) and vundu catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis) (initial body weight: 39.1 ± 8.2 g) fingerlings were stocked at densities of 4, 6 or 8 fish m^− 3 in traditional fish ponds (whedos) constructed in the floodplain of the Oueme River (South Benin, West Africa), for 70 days from March to June 2005. Fish were fed twice a day with 34% crude protein feed formulated with locally available ingredients. The effects of stocking density were evaluated in growth responses, gross production and body composition. Water quality variables were similar (p > 0.05) in all compartments. Temperature and pH were at the optimum level for fish. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 0.9 to 1.2 mg l^− 1 during the experiment and secchi disc transparency was low (< 14 cm). In both species, growth responses increased with the increasing density, significantly in African catfish stocked at density of 8 fish m^− 3 compared to the other densities (4 and 6 fish m^− 3) but not significantly in vundu catfish. Production data ranged from 3.1 ± 0.5 to 22.8 ± 4.5 t ha^− 1 year^− 1 in African catfish and from 6.1 ± 1.2 to 15.1 ± 3.1 t ha^− 1 year^− 1 in vundu catfish. Production increased with increasing stocking densities but only significantly (p < 0.05) between the density of 8 fish m^− 3 and the other densities. In both species, carcass fat increased with increasing density (p < 0.05) while carcass protein and moisture decreased (p > 0.05). These results are important because they indicate that, as far as growth rate and production are concerned, African catfish is more profitable than vundu catfish for culture at high density in whedo.     

The influence of dietary cation-anion differences on acid-base balance,food intake,growth and nutrient utilisation of juvenile African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell)

A study was conducted to examine the effect of dietary cation-anion difference (CAD, Na⁺+K⁺-Cl^–, mEq kg ^–1) on acid-base balance, food consumption and growth of juvenile African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Four dietary CAD levels (-100, 100, 500, 700 mEq kg^–1) were established by altering levels of NaHCO₃, CaCl₂ and NH₄Cl in the diets. The group fed the diet of excess anions (CAD: -100 mEq kg^–1) had low food consumption and growth rate. Food consumption and growth increased linearly with an increase in dietary CAD within the range -100 to 700 meq. kg^–1. Blood pH was not significantly influenced by dietary CAD. A quadratic relationship between Na⁺, Cl^– and CAD level in plasma and dietary CAD was found. Body composition of fish and nitrogen/energy utilisation efficiency differed between dietary CAD treatments. The results suggest that dietary CAD influence acid-base regulation and thus the energy costs for maintaining homeostasis. The increased food intake and growth performance of C. gariepinus at higher CAD levels may be related to a reduced maintenance costs for homeostasis.     

Influence of native catfish mucus on Flavobacterium columnare growth and proteolytic activity

Flavobacterium columnare causes columnaris disease of farmed and wild freshwater fish. Skin mucus is an important factor in early stages of columnaris pathogenesis, albeit little studied. Our objectives were to (a) characterize the terminal glycosylation pattern (TGP) of catfish mucus, (b) determine the growth of F. columnare in formulated water (FW)‐containing channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) or hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus X Ictalurus furcatus) mucus and (c) examine extracellular protease activity of two F. columnare isolates differing in virulence. The TGP of catfish mucus by lectin binding was as follows: alpha‐D‐mannose/alpha‐D‐glucose >N‐acetyl‐beta‐D‐glucosamine >N‐acetyl‐beta‐D‐glucosamine/N‐acetylneuraminic acid >N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine >alpha‐D‐galactose/N‐acetyl‐alpha‐D‐galactosamine >beta‐D‐galactose = alpha‐L‐fucose. Virulence studies demonstrated isolate AL‐02‐36 was highly virulent in channel catfish fry (0.1 g) with cumulative mortality of 90%‐100% versus 60% for isolate ALG‐00‐530 at equivalent doses (~3 × 10⁶ CFU/ml); a similar result was observed in larger (0.7 g) catfish. In multiple experiments, F. columnare replicated (2‐3 logs) and survived (28 days) in formulated water‐containing catfish mucus. Highly virulent isolate AL‐02‐36 possessed at least 2.5‐ to fivefold higher protease activity following growth in mucus than the less virulent ALG‐00‐530. Flavobacterium columnare utilized catfish mucus as a nutrient source and mucus presence modulated extracellular protease production.     

Fish anesthesia: effects of the essential oils of Hesperozygis ringens and Lippia alba on the biochemistry and physiology of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

The anesthetic activities of the essential oils (EOs) of Hesperozygis ringens (EOHR) and Lippia alba (EOLA) and their effects in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) after anesthesia and recovery were investigated. Fish (32.19 ± 1.24 g) were submitted to one of the following treatments for each EO: basal group, control, or anesthesia (150, 300, or 450 μL L^?1 EO). After that the anesthesia was induced or simulated and the biometric measurements were completed, fish were transferred to anesthetic-free aquaria to allow for recovery. Fish were sampled at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 240 min after recovery. At time 0 of recovery, the ventilatory rate was lower in the groups anesthetized with either EO. In comparison with the basal group, control fish showed an increase in plasma glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Na⁺ levels and a reduction in Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity at 0 min of recovery. Plasma levels of ammonia and Na⁺ were lower in the fish anesthetized with EOLA (450 μL L^?1) and EOHR (all concentrations), respectively, than in the control fish. Additionally, lactate, AST, alanine aminotransferase, K⁺ plasma levels, and gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and H⁺-ATPase activities were higher in the fish anesthetized with either EOHR or EOLA than in the control fish. The EOs promoted slight changes in silver catfish that enabled both an adaptive response and the recovery of most of the measured parameters after 240 min regardless of concentration or EO that was used. These findings support the use of EOHR and EOLA as anesthetics for fish.     

The effect of nearly closed RAS on the feed intake and growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and European eel (Anguilla anguilla)

One of the challenges that Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are still facing is the risk that in RAS fish grow less than in flow-through systems due to the accumulation of substances originating from feed, fish or bacteria associated with the water re-use. The present study investigated whether RAS with high and low accumulation levels of these substances affect feed intake and growth of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, African catfish Clarias gariepinus, and European eel Anguilla Anguilla. One-hundred and twenty individuals of each species were used (start body weights: Nile tilapia 264.8 ± 8.3 g; African catfish 253.2 ± 2.1 g and European eel 66.6 ± 1.3 g). For a period of 39 days, growth and feed intake were compared between high and low accumulation RAS. HIGH accumulation RAS was designed for maximal accumulation of substances in the water by operating the system at nearly-closed conditions (30 L/kg feed/d), using mature biofilters and high feed loads; and (2) LOW accumulation RAS was designed to be a proxy for flow-through systems by operating at high water exchange rates (1500 L/kg feed/d), new biofilters and low feed load. HIGH accumulation RAS induced a reduction in feed intake (42%) and growth (83%) of Nile tilapia, as compared to systems that are a proxy for flow-through conditions. This effect was not observed in European eel and African catfish. The cause of this reduced feed intake and growth rate of Nile tilapia is still unclear and should be addressed in further studies.     

Effects of dietary starch levels on the growth,plasma metabolites and expression of genes involved in glucose transport and metabolism in Pelodiscus sinensis juveniles

A 10‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, glucose transport and metabolism of Chinese soft‐shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) exposure to graded levels of dietary starch (0.52%, 7.43%, 14.74%, 22.99% and 31.38%). The 360 turtles (initial body weight, 12.94 ± 0.50 g) with 12 replicates were randomly assigned to five experimental diets. The highest weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were observed in 7.43% group and the lowest in 31.38% group. The protein efficiency ratio, whole‐body lipid contents, hepatic glycogen contents and the 4‐hr postprandial plasma glucose levels were significantly increased with the increment of starch levels (p < .05). In contrast, the daily feed intake and feed conversion ration were significantly declined (p < .05). The mRNA levels of glucose transporter 2, glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, malic enzyme and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase alpha genes in the liver significantly increased as the increase in starch levels at 4‐hr and 24‐hr post feeding (p < .05). No significant differences were observed in the expression of gluconeogenesis genes at each time point (p > .05). These results suggested that dietary addition of starch up‐regulated hepatic glycolysis, glycogenesis and lipogenesis genes expression, but the deficient response of gluconeogenesis to dietary starch might be part of the causes limited the starch utilization. Based on the secondary polynomial regression of SGR, y = ?0.0011x² + 0.028x + 1.63 (R² = 0.9292), the 12.73% inclusion level of dietary starch was recommended in juvenile turtles.     

Pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of vancomycin after oral administration in crucian carp

The pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of vancomycin in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) were studied after oral administration of a single dosage of 1 mg/kg body weight at water temperature of 18°C. The drug concentration‐time data were fitted using a two‐compartment open model with first‐order absorption. The vancomycin concentrations in plasma and tissues including muscle, liver and kidney were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. As a result, the plasma absorption rate constant of vancomycin was 3.75/hr and the time point of maximum concentration in plasma was 3.0 hr respectively. The maximum concentration of vancomycin in plasma was 216.58 μg/L. The distribution half‐life and the elimination half‐life in plasma were 6.69 hr and 190 hr, as well as the absorption half‐life of plasma was 0.19/hr. The area under the plasma concentration‐time curve of plasma was 15.12 mg hr/L. The apparent volume of distribution of plasma was estimated to be 4.45 L/kg and the total body clearance was computed as 0.061 L hr^?1 kg^?1. In addition, the maximum tissue concentrations of vancomycin were in the order of liver > kidney > muscle. To guarantee the safety of tissue samples for consumption, it was suggested that the withdrawal time should not be less than 30 days at 18°C. All these results may provide guidance for future vancomycin treatment in aquaculture.     

Does Ralstonia eutropha,rich in poly‐β hydroxybutyrate (PHB), protect blue mussel larvae against pathogenic vibrios?

The natural amorphous polymer poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB‐A: lyophilized Ralstonia eutropha containing 75% PHB) was used as a biological agent to control bacterial pathogens of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) larvae. The larvae were supplied with PHB‐A at a concentration of 1 or 10 mg/L for 6 or 24 hr, followed by exposure to either the rifampicin‐resistant pathogen Vibrio splendidus or Vibrio coralliilyticus at a concentration of 10⁵ CFU/ml. Larvae pretreated 6 hr with PHB‐A (1 mg/L) survived a Vibrio challenge better relative to 24 hr pretreatment. After 96 hr of pathogen exposure, the survival of PHB‐A‐treated mussel larvae was 1.41‐ and 1.76‐fold higher than the non‐treated larvae when challenged with V. splendidus and V. coralliilyticus, respectively. Growth inhibition of the two pathogens at four concentrations of the monomer β‐HB (1, 5, 25 and 125 mM) was tested in vitro in LB₃₅ medium, buffered at two different pH values (pH 7 and pH 8). The highest concentration of 125 mM significantly inhibited the pathogen growth in comparison to the lower levels. The effect of β‐HB on the production of virulence factors in the tested pathogenic Vibrios revealed a variable pattern of responses.     

Sperm of feral carp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis>: optimization of activation solution

The spermatozoa of oviparous fish, such as feral carp (Cyprinus carpio), are immotile in the presence of semen plasma or isotonic solutions, and to obtain good motility, they must be diluted with suitable medium. The objective of this study was to identify the best activating solution for feral carp sperm. Sperm motilities were compared in the new activating solution (a): (50 mM NaCl, 30 mM KCl, 30 mM Tris, pH = 8.5) and activating solution (b): (50 mM NaCl, 40 mM KCl, 30 mM Tris, pH = 8.5) based on effect of pH with everyone of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions versus four other activating solutions Billard’s saline solution, Poupard’s saline solution, distilled water and hatchery water that is routinely used for extending carp semen. Our results showed that maximum total motility period and percentage of motile sperm were seen in selected saline solution (a). The present study describes an activating solution that prolongs feral carp sperm motility.     

Growth performance and robustness of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) in biofloc‐based nursery production with different stocking densities

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effects of biofloc system application at different fish density on the nursery production performance and the robustness of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) against Aeromonas hydrophila and salinity stress. An economic analysis was also performed to determine the most optimum fish density in biofloc‐based African catfish nursery production. African catfish with an average body weight of 0.96 ± 0.04 g and average body length of 4.20 ± 0.46 cm, respectively, were distributed in 12 units of circular plastic‐lined tanks (1,020 L). The experiment consisted of four treatments in triplicates, that is, a control without carbon source addition at a density of 4 fish/L, and three biofloc treatments at different densities, that is, BFT4 (4 fish/L), BFT6 (6 fish/L) and BFT8 (8 fish/L). Tapioca flour was used as the organic carbon source in biofloc systems and was added at an estimated C/N ratio of 10. Housing the fish in biofloc systems resulted in higher fish growth, more efficient feed utilization, higher fish robustness against A. hydrophila infection and salinity stress, as well as higher profitability of nursery production. Increasing the fish density resulted in higher mortality. However, higher number of fish produced and lower feed conversion ratio were observed in the treatments with higher density (6 and 8 fish/L). In conclusion, the application of biofloc technology at a density of 8 fish/L could be recommended to increase the production and profitability of African catfish nursery culture.